Latuda (Generic Lurasidone) Drug Information

Latuda (lurasidone) is one of the second-generation antipsychotic medications that are referred to as atypical antipsychotics. Latuda was first approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in 2010. The Food and Drug Administration then approved its use to help in the treatment of bipolar depression in 2013. 

Like other psychotropic medicines, Latuda can cause side effects and carries warnings that you should be aware of before you take it. Here's what you should know before you take Latuda for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, including the potential side effects you might experience, warnings, and important precautions.

How Latuda Works

Latuda works by works by affecting dopamine and serotonin in the brain in order to rebalance these neurotransmitters. These brain chemicals are associated with thinking, mood, and behavior, so adjusting their levels can play a role in stabilizing mood.

It can also help improve symptoms of schizophrenia, including:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Social withdrawal
• Problems communicating
• Poor motivation
• Disorganzied thinking
  

Warnings for Latuda

Like all antipsychotic drugs, Latuda carries a boxed warning saying it is not approved for use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to increased risk of death.

There is the potential for developing neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) when taking all antipsychotics, including Latuda. Symptoms can include abnormally high fever, rigid muscles, profuse sweating, irregular heartbeat, and other symptoms. Kidney failure can result.

Although tardive dyskinesia (TD) is rarer among patients taking the atypical antipsychotics compared to the older typical agents, TD may still rarely develop in patients taking Latuda. The most common presentation of tardive dyskinesia is forms of uncontrolled facial movements. Again, know the symptoms of this condition and contact your doctor at once if they appear.

There are additional warnings common to all antipsychotics about less serious possible side effects. Read all the literature accompanying your prescription carefully and discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.

Other Latuda Warnings

All antipsychotic medications also carry warnings about the possibility of weight gain, increased blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, with the potential to lead to diabetes. However, the clinical trials and studies so far have indicated that Latuda's effect on weight is more complex.

Some research has found that people taking Latuda lose weight while taking it. Overall, it is currently considered not to be associated with weight gain.

Common Side Effects of Latuda

The most common side effects in clinical trials were:

• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Akathisia, characterized by inner restlessness and the inability to sit or stand still, and
• Parkinsonism, with symptoms including tremor, difficulty walking, stiff muscles and others.
  

Dystonia, another movement disorder, was less frequent but still significantly higher in patients taking Latuda than in those who took a placebo. Dystonia is characterized by muscles contracting parts of the body abnormally.

Dystonia, parkinsonism, and akathisia are referred to as extrapyramidal side effects. These symptoms can occur when taking antipsychotic medications, although these are less common when taking atypical antipsychotics.

Precautions Before Taking Latuda

Before taking Latuda, talk to your doctor about any medications, supplements, or substances you currently take. This is important to avoid any potential drug interactions. 

You should also inform your doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm problems, heart attacks, long QT syndrome, high cholesterol, seizures, or diabetes. 

Use in Pregnancy

There have been no adequate or well-controlled studies of Latuda during pregnancy. At this time, the recommendation is that the drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.